Mining Engineering Technology

Mining engineering technologists work in hard and soft rock mining operations here in Saskatchewan, across Canada and around the world. It’s a well-paying career that can involve surveying, ventilation, ground control, mine planning or supervision. You need to be a team player, good at problem solving, comfortable working with new technology and committed to workplace safety.

Mining is one of the fastest growing sectors in Saskatchewan. In the next 10 years, estimates predict over 15,000 new workers will be needed in the industry—including mining engineering technologists.

Mining Engineering Technology is a two-year diploma program offered at Saskatchewan Polytechnic Saskatoon campus. In the classroom and in the lab, you’ll learn to apply scientific principles to basic mining engineering situations.

You’ll develop knowledge and skills in:

  • basic geology, geophysics, electricity and instrumentation
  • computer applications in mining
  • fluid mechanics
  • ground control
  • mine hydrology and environmental concerns
  • mine ventilation
  • ore processing and transportation
  • project management
  • safety
  • soil, concrete and shotcrete testing
  • surveying and drafting

Hands-on learning involves everything from computer simulations, to geology and surveying labs, to mechanical and materials testing labs. Second year projects will help you build skills in mine design, blasting and ventilation. You’ll also carry out an applied research project. This emphasis on learning by doing ensures you’re ready to work from day one after graduation.

Use your diploma to ladder into a mining engineering technology degree at Cape Breton University, Queen’s University, Memorial University or the University of Saskatchewan.

Ladder your diploma into the Bachelor of Applied Management degree at Saskatchewan Polytechnic with only two years of additional study. Remote classes and part-time options are available.

 

Career and salary information

Your career

Mining engineering technologists are prepared to work in both surface and underground mining operations. Saskatchewan mining companies are eager to recruit graduates. You could also work for a testing lab, an engineering consulting firm or a mine equipment company. As you build experience, you could advance into design work, supervision and project management.

Do you need help deciding if these careers could be a good fit for you? Contact Career Counselling Services.

Do you already know this is the program you want to take but need more detailed information or help applying?Connect with a recruitment advisor.

Potential careers

Sample job title NOC classification
Mining engineering technologist Geological & mineral technologists & technicians (22101)
Mining survey technologist Geological & mineral technologists & technicians (22101)
Mining technologist Geological & mineral technologists & technicians (22101)

Admissions

Admission requirements

*Previous Saskatchewan mathematics requirement also accepted:

  • Minimum combined average of 60% in Math A30, B30 and C30

Alternative admission

Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through an alternative admission assessment. Applicants are automatically considered for alternative admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met.

ACCUPLACER©

Refer to the ACCUPLACER© cut scores for this program below, and review additional details concerning Alternative Admission using Accuplacer.

  • 250 Arithmetic
  • 240 Advanced Algebra and Functions
  • 256 Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics
  • 250 Reading
  • 245 Writing

Post-secondary

Some programs allow applicants to meet the admission grade level requirement using 15 approved post-secondary credits. Review additional information.

If the program applied to has specific course requirements, they may be met through alternative post-secondary courses. Review already approved courses that may be used for admission purposes for your programs.

Admission method

First Qualified/First Admitted

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of Saskatchewan Polytechnic programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake. 

Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year. 

Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.

See Admission Processes for more information about this method of admission.

Tuition and fees

Estimates are based on current rates and are subject to change. Amounts for a program may vary by campus. Totals shown here include all mandatory fees as well as approximate cost for books and supplies. Visit the Tuition and Fees web page for a complete breakdown of tuition and fees for this program.

2023-24 academic year

Year 1 - $11,610
Year 2 - $7,510

International students

View tuition rates for international students.

Courses

Get credit for what you know

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

Saskatchewan Polytechnic recognizes that adults learn in many different ways. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.

See link(s) below to get more information about PLAR.

Transfer credit

Many Sask Polytech students benefit from transferring course credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit to Sask Polytech or to another college or university.

Institution Agreement details
Cape Breton University Graduates of the Mining Engineering Technology Diploma may be eligible for 36 cu in the Bachelor of Engineering Technology Environmental Studies or Petroleum degree programs
Queen's University Graduates of this program with a minimum Cumulative GPA of 3.0 (75%) may qualify for admission to Queen's University's BTech (Mining) Degree Program. Block transfer of 72 units less the required Customized Bridge Course units will be granted upon admission. Students must pass each prescribed bridge course with a minimum C- in order to progress to Year 3 of the BTech (Mining) Program.

Memorial University

Graduates of this program may be eligible for block transfer into Bachelor of Technology Degree with 39 credit hours (13 courses) to be completed, including a technical project and report.

Student awards

Thanks to the generosity of donors and alumni, Saskatchewan Polytechnic gives away more than $2 million in student awards during the academic year.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic offers student awards for every certificate and diploma program at every campus. Not all student awards are based on marks - some are based on financial need or things like community or volunteer involvement.

More about scholarships

Accreditation

Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC)

Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC) accredits the program at thet technologist level.  TAC is a bold, world class accreditation organization, delivering accreditation services for the engineering technology and applied science profession in Canada.

Professional registration

Technology Professionals Saskatchewan

Technology Professionals Saskatchewan is the provincial regulatory body for graduates of this Saskatchewan Polytechnic program.  As a graduate of an accredited program recognized by Technology Professionals Saskatchewan, your academic training places you on an expedited path towards obtaining professional registration as an Applied Science Technologist (A.Sc.T.) or Certified Technician (C.Tech.).  For more information, visit tpsk.ca.

Additional information

Danielle Faris
Program head